Punch press with swing-out control panel

ABSTRACT

A control panel is hinged to swing like a door outwardly from the front of the frame away from the ram in order for the setup man or maintenance man to have clear access to all the press, ram, screw, and bed area for repairing or setting up the press, this control panel, for safety reasons, having a main disconnect switch incorporated therein with electric wires running inside the panel and thence through the frame at the hinged end of the panel to a main control box, the entire wired track being fully insulated. This main disconnect switch is opened automatically under spring pressure when the control panel is swung away from the frame when the control panel is swung back and locked in its normal position. In that way all electrical connections and all air connections are disconnected automatically when the panel is swung outwardly, completely eliminating any possible mechanical or electrical mishap befalling the setup man or operator, as the machine is completely immobilized under these conditions. The control panel carries die lights on the inner side thereof for good illumination of the entire bed area to facilitate repairing and setup jobs, the panel serving as a reflector for these lights. A hinged cover plate on the front of the panel facilitates all of the assembling and wiring operations at the outset, besides affording easy access to everything carried in the panel whenever that may become necessary.

Provi 1 Mar. 7, 1972 [54] PUNCH PRESS WITH SWING-OUT CONTROL PANELPrimary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite Att0meyAndrew F. Wintercom A controlpanel is hinged to swing like a door outwardly from the front of theframe away from the ram in order for the setup man or maintenance man tohave clear access to all the press, ram, screw, and bed area forrepairing or setting up the press, this control panel, for safetyreasons, having a main disconnect switch incorporated therein withelectric wires running inside the panel and thence through the frame atthe hinged end of the panel to a main control box, the entire wiredtrack being fully insulated. This main disconnect switch is openedautomatically under spring pressure when the control panel is swung awayfrom the frame when the control panel is swung back and locked in itsnormal position. in that way all electrical connections and all airconnections are disconnected automatically when the panel is swungoutwardly, completely eliminating any possible mechanical or electricalmishap befalling the setup man or operator, as the machine is completelyimmobilized under these conditions. The control panel carries die lightson the inner side thereof for good illumination of the entire bed areato facilitate repairing and setup jobs, the panel serving as a reflectorfor these lights. A hinged cover plate on the front of the panelfacilitates all of the assembling and wiring operations at the outset,besides affording easy access to everything carried in the panel when-ABSTRACT "f ever that may become necessary.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PMENTEHMAR (I972 8,646,883

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' W INVENTOR' ike A Pro Vi W ATTORNEY PUNCH PRESS WITH SWING-OUT CONTROLPANEL This invention relates to presses and more specifically electricmotor operated presses incorporating air clutch and brake assemblies intheir flywheels.

The principal object of this invention is to greatly improve the safetyfactor in such presses by providing a hinged front control paneldesigned to be swung outwardly from the frame to open a main disconnectswitch automatically that is spring pressed to open circuit position butarranged to be closed positively by engagement with a projection on theframe when the panel is swung back to its normal closed position andlocked detachably in that position. All of the press control switchesoperable manually from the front of the panel are connected in circuitwith the main disconnect switch and are, therefore, all disconnected inthe swinging out of this panel, completely disconnecting all electricsand air also and thereby eliminating any possible mechanical orelectrical mishap befalling the setup man or operator, because the pressis completely immobilized under these conditions. Also, with the panelswung out of the way, there is clear access to all of the press, ram,screw and bed area to facilitate any repairing and setup jobs, such workbeing made easier by the adequate lighting afforded by light bulbscarried in sockets on the inner side of the panel, using the panel as areflector. With all electrics running concealed and with good insulationat all points from one end of the panel through the hinge and pressframe to the control box on the back, nothing is left exposed on eitherside of the press that might be subject to damage.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 and 2 are perspective front and rear views, respectively, of apress embodying the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the control panel portion of the press;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower half portion of the press,showing the control panel swung outwardly to the safety position openingthe main disconnect switch;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are vertical sections on the lines 55 of FIG. 4, showingthe open and closed circuit positions of the parts, respectively, and

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram.

The same reference numerals are applied to corresponding partsthroughout the views.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, the reference numeral 10 designates theupright frame of the press supported on laterally spaced legs 11 andhaving the usual parallel guides for the vertically reciprocable slideor ram 12 that is operated in the usual way by a connecting rod 13 froman intermittently driven single turn crankshaft 14. An electric motor 15supplies the power for the press and drives a flywheel l6 continuously,while an air clutch and brake assembly 17 in the flywheel connected witha source of compressed air supply for operation through an electricallyoperable solenoid valve 17, serves when engaged to transmit drive fromthe flywheel 16 to the crankshaft 14. The brake assures instant stoppingin case of either electrical or air supply failure, so, of course, whenthe control panel to which reference is to be made soon is swungoutwardly to open circuit safety position, the brake is appliedautomatically. The slide 12 carries a die 18 for whatever job is beingdone, and the die in each stroke moves down to a predetermined spacedrelationship to the bolster 19 and mating die 20. The control panel 21,which is the salient feature of my invention, is hinged at one end, asat 22, on a vertical axis relative to one side of the front of the frame10 and is arranged to be latched in closed position by a verticallyswingable C- washer latch 23 pivoted to the outer end of the panel 21and connectable through its slot with keeper screw 24 provided on theframe and adapted to be tightened and loosened by hand.

The control panel has a flexible electrical conduit 25 extending insafely insulated relationship from its hinged end through openings inthe hinge 22 and frame 10 to a switch box 26 carried on the back of theframe, the box having an electrical power cable 27 extending therefromto an electrical power source. A door 28 afiords access to the box 26.All of the wires connecting switches and lights, etc., on the panel 21with their power sources in the switch box extend from the flexibleconduit 25 in safely insulated relationship in the panel 21 to theappropriate switches, lights, and so forth. Among the switches and otherso-called electrics are:

l. the run" switches 29 and 30 operable by rightand lefthand depressionof right and left mushroom-type buttons 29' and 30, respectively;

2. the emergency master stop" switch 31, operable by depression witheither hand of mushroom-type button 31 3. the "top stop switch 32,operable by depression with either hand of another mushroom-type button32';

4. the motor start" switch 33 controlling the drive motor 15, operableby depression with either hand of another button 33';

5. the on-off" toggle switch 34 on top of the panel 21 at the outer endfor turning the ZOO-watt die lights 35 on or off;

6. the key lock selector switches 36 and 37, switch 36 being athree-position one for either single cycle in midposition, or inching"or continuous operation of the ram 12 in the other two positions, andswitch 37 being also a three-position one for power on in midposition,hand control in the lefthand position, and foot control with foot pedal38 in the righthand position;

7. the electrically operated stroke counter 39, having dial reset 39';

8. the one-shot lubricator switch 40 operable by depression with eitherhand of button 40 operating lubricator 40" by remote control;

9. two 1l0-volt outlet receptacles or sockets 41 for at tachingextension cords in servicing the press or whenever and for whateverpurpose any additional electrical outlets may be needed;

10. the various signal lights:

' a. the two red power on lights 42, two being provided parallelconnected, to continue signalling in case of one burning out;

b. .the green light 43 which, so long as it burns, signals satisfactoryautomatic lubrication of the press by lubricator 40' c. the red light 44which is automatically turned on when the oil supply to lubricator 40"runs low;

d. the amber light 45 which is turned on each time the ram reaches thebottom of its stroke, and

e. the red light 46 which is turned on automatically when the airpressure available for operation of the air clutch and brake assembly 17drops below a safe level for any reason during operation of the press,and

11. the disconnect switch 47 through which all of the main switches29-33 and signal lights 42-46 are automatically disconnected from theelectrical power source when the panel is swung outwardly, as shown inFIG. 4, allowing the springpressed button 48 to move outwardly to opencircuit position, as shown in FIG. 5, whereas in the closed position ofthe panel, shown in FIG. 6, the spring-pressed button 48 is depressed bythe fixed horizontal projection 49 provided on the frame 10 in alignmentwith the opening 50 in the back of the panel 21 which in turn is inregister with the button 48, permitting depression of the button by theprojection, as shown in FIG. 6, when the panel 21 is closed and lockedin that position by latch 23 and keeper 24.

In operation, therefore, the press operates in much the same fashion asother presses so long as the control panel 21 is in its normal closedposition, but, when the control panel 21 is unlocked at 23-24 and swungoutwardly, as shown in FIG. 4, the

' disconnect switch 47 is automatically thrown open by spring failure.Drop in air supply pressure is signalled during normal operation by redlight 46, while the red light 44 signals when the oil supply to thelubricator 40" has run too low for continued operation. In either ofthose cases, the operator presses the stop button 31" to stop theoperation of the press until the air difficulty is corrected or the oillevel is brought up to the proper level. The front cover plate 21' onpanel 21 is hinged at its upper edge to the main hollow body portion ofthe panel to afford easy access to the switches and wiring in the panelto facilitate assembly in the first instance and afford easy access tothe inside of the panel whenever the need for that should arise. Theschematic wiring diagram, FIG. 7, showing all of the switches and theirconnections will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 7, the switch 51 is the main power switch in controlbox 26, to which the power cable 27 extends. Switch 34 controlling thedie lights 35 can be closed to turn these lights on if the control panel21 is swung out for setup work. The selector switch 37 on control panel21 is turned to select hand operation, with rightand left-hand operablepushbuttons 29' and 30', or foot operation with pedal 38. If there isthe correct air pressure available to the machine, the pressure switchcontacts 52 will close and the red light 46 will be turned off. Light 46coming on later signals drop in air pressure, and the operator shouldthen check the air supply before any further operation of the press. Abumper pin on the frame of the machine (not shown), if properly screwedinto its receptacle, causes the microswitch 53 to close and providecurrent to the line 54. Also, if the swingout control panel 21 isproperly secured in closed position, the switch 47, is closed and thered pilotlights 42 are turned on to indicate power is applied to line55. Then in each operation of the press, limit switch 56 is tripped bothto count the cycles and if the selector switch 36 is in the inchposition indicate when the bottom of the stroke is reached. Relay 39being energized to actuate the solenoid of the stroke counter 39, oncefor each cycle. The emergency stop switch 31 is normally in the closedposition, providing power to the line 58, so if the operator thenpresses the motor start button 33', closing switch 33, the amber runninglight 45 turns on and the motor starter relay 59 causes closing ofcontacts 59 energizing the drive motor 15, and, through holding contacts60, remain closed. The time meter clock motor 62 is also energized toindicate the machines running time, and the lubrication timer motor 63is also energized so that at periodic intervals contacts in line 64 areclosed to actuate the solenoid of lubrication pump 65. The one-shotlubrication button 40' should be depressed before startup to closeswitch 40 and ensure a shot of sufficient oil to the slide bearings. Ifthe top stop switch 32 is in the normal closed position, power issupplied to the line 66 and the operator, by depressing the top stopbutton 32', opens switch 32 to stop the ram at the top position. Theoperator, by depressing the two run buttons 29 and 30', closes switches29 and 30, supplying power to line 67. Relay 68 is energized through thenormally closed run switches 29 and 30 and the normally closed contactsof the foot switch 38 or the contacts of selector switch 37 and thenormally closed contacts 69' of relay 69. Relay 68 locks in through itsholding contacts 68' and selector switch 36. Depending on the method ofactuation (hand or foot) the operator depresses either a foot switch 38or both palm button operated switches 29 and 30, opening the energizingcircuit for relay 68 and providing power to line 70. Relay 69 isenergized through the closed contacts 68" of line 70 locking throughholding contacts 69" and either of the following depending on theposition of the selector switch 36:

Cam operated switches 71 and 72, or 73 in parallel with contacts 68".Contacts 69" energize the solenoid of the brake-clutch air valve,releasing the brake and closing the clutch, allowing the machine tocycle or inch. Relay 69 contacts 69 open, removing the energizingcircuit from relay 68 until relay 69 is deenergized. If the selectorswitch is in the "inch" position contacts 68' hold relay 68 in until theselector switch is changed or power is removed from line 61 and relay 69will only be energized while the palm button operated switches 29 and 30are depressed. If the selector switch 36 is in the single position, theswitch 74 holds relay 68 in. Upon depressing either the foot switch 38or the palm button operated switches 29 and 30 relay 69 is energized andlocks in through switches 71, 36 and 72, when the flywheel 16 has turnedthrough approximately switch 74 opens and relay 68 is deenergized and,when the flywheel is turned through 360", switches 71 and 72 are opened,relay 69 is deenergized. If the selector switch 36 is in the continuousposition, relay 68 locks in through the top stop switch 32 and upondepressing the palm button operated switches 29 and 30, relay 69 isenergized and locks in through either contracts 68" or switch 73. Hence,by opening switch 32 by depression of the top stop button 32', relay 68is deenergized leaving only switch 73 to hold relay 69 energized. Switch73 is opened when the flywheel 16 is in a position so that the pressstops with the ram 12 in its uppermost position.

It should be clear from the foregoing description that the maindisconnect switch 47 when thrown open by swinging the control paneloutwardly from its normal closed position, cuts off all power to thepress, making it completely safe for the setup man or operator to dowhatever has to be done on the machine before resuming operation,although the die lights 35 can be used by closing switch 34 and, ofcourse, power is still supplied to the sockets 41 to enable use of powerfor one or more extension cords or electrically operated tools. It isonly when the control panel 21 is returned to its normal closed positionthat the press is again restored to its normal operating condition.

It is believed the foregoing description conveys a good understanding ofthe objects and advantages of my invention. While a preferred embodimentof the invention has been illustrated and described, this is only forthe purpose of illustration, and it is to be understood that variousmodifications in structure will occur to a person skilled in this art.

I claim:

1. In a power-operated machine of the character described, comprising aframe, a source of electric current supply, an electric drive motor, aclutch that is electrically controlled for transmitting drive from themotor to a part on the machine to be driven, a control panel mounted onthe frame carrying control buttons operable manually to operate switcheson the panel connected in circuit with current source and said drivemotor and clutch, said panel being hinged to be swingable relative tosaid frame except when secured detachably by manually operable fasteningmeans in a fixed operative position relative to said frame, and adisconnect switch connected in circuit with said other switches andoperable automatically from a closed position to an open position whenthe control panel is swung from its fixed operative position.

2. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control panel whenswung from its fixed operative position serves as a light reflector, themachine including lighting means on the inner side of the panelcontrolled by manually operable switch means independently of the otherswitches on the control panel and the disconnect switch.

3. A machine as set forth in claim 1 including a brake and an electricalsolenoid operable air valve connected with air operable means foroperating said clutch and brake, said means being controlled by one ofthe switches operated by the manually operable buttons on the controlpanel, whereby the brake is set upon disconnection of the disconnectswitch when the control panel is'swung away from its operative position.

4. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hinged control panelincludes a hinged front cover plate adapted to be swung outwardlyrelative to said panel to afford access to the switches and wiringcarried on said panel.

5. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said disconnect switch iscarried on said control panel and has a spring-pressed button adaptednormally to move outwardly relative to said switch to open position whensaid panel is swung outwardly relative to said frame, and a projectionon'said frame registering with and depressing said button to closedposition in the fixed operative position of said panel.

6. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein there is a control box onsaid frame containing a main power switch and other electrical controlsand said control panel has an elongated flexible electrical conduitextending therefrom containing wires extending from the switches on saidpanel, said conduit extending through the hinge mounting of said panelto said control box for connection of the wires with said main powerswitch and other controls in concealed insulated relationship to paidpanel and frame throughout its length.

7. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control panel is ofelongated form and extends substantially horizontally across the frontof the machine frame and is hinged at one end on a substantiallyvertical axis and has the fastening means at its other end for securingthe same in fixed operative position with the disconnect switch inclosed position.

8. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control panel is ofelongated form and extends substantially horizontally across the frontof the machine frame and is hinged at one end on a substantiallyvertical axis and has the fastening means at its other end for securingthe same in fixed operative position with the disconnect switch inclosed position, the disconnect switch including a spring-pressed buttonexposed on the rear of said panel intermediate its ends movingrearwardly to open position when the panel is swung forwardly away fromthe frame, said switch being closed automatically by depression of saidbutton when said panel is returned to its normal fixed position relativeto said frame.

9. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control panel is ofelongated form and extends substantially horizontally across the frontof the machine frame and is hinged at one end on a substantiallyvertical axis and has the fastening means at its other end for securingthe same in fixed operative position with the disconnect switch inclosed position, the disconnect switch including a spring-pressed buttonexposed on the rear of said panel intermediate its ends movingrearwardly to open position when the panel is swung forwardly away fromthe frame, said switch being closed automatically by depression of saidbutton when said panel is returned to its normal fixed position relativeto said frame, a substantially horizontal projection on said frameregistering with and depressing said button in the normal fixed positionof said control panel.

10. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control panel is ofelongated form and extends substantially horizontally across the frontof the machine frame and is hinged at one end on a substantiallyvertical axis and has the fastening means at its other end for securingthe same in fixed operative position with the disconnect switch inclosed position, the disconnect switch including a spring-pressed buttonexposed on the rear of said panel intermediate its ends movingrearwardly to open position when the panel is swung forwardly away fromthe frame, said switch being closed automatically by depression of saidbutton when said panel is returned to its normal fixed position relativeto said frame, said panel serving as a light reflector when swungforwardly away from said frame, the machine including electric lightmeans on the back of said panel, and switch means controlling said lightmeans independently of the disconnect switch and other switches.

1. In a power-operated machine of the character described, comprising aframe, a source of electric current supply, an electric drive motor, aclutch that is electrically controlled for transmitting drive from themotor to a part on the machine to be driven, a control panel mounted onthe frame carrying control buttons operable manually to operate switcheson the panel connected in circuit with current source and said drivemotor and clutch, said panel being hinged to be swingable relative tosaid frame except when secured detachably by manually operable fasteningmeans in a fixed operative position relative to said frame, and adisconnect switch connected in circuit with said other switches andoperable automatically from a closed position to an open position whenthe control panel is swung from its fixed operative position.
 2. Amachine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control panel when swungfrom its fixed operative position serves as a light reflector, themachine including lighting means on the inner side of the panelcontrolled by manually operable switch means independently of the otherswitches on the control panel and the disconnect switch.
 3. A machine asset forth in claim 1 including a brake and an electrical solenoidoperable air valve connected with air operable means for operating saidclutch and brake, said means being controlled by one of the switchesoperated by the manually operable buttons on the control panel, wherebythe brake is set upon disconnection of the disconnect switch when thecontrol panel is swung away from its operative position.
 4. A machine asset forth in claim 1 wherein the hinged control panel includes a hingedfront cover plate adapted to be swung outwardly relative to said panelto afford access to the switches and wiring carried on said panel.
 5. Amachine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said disconnect switch iscarried on said control panel and has a spring-pressed button adaptednormally to move outwardly relative to said switch to open position whensaid panel is swung outwardly relative to said frame, and a projectionon said frame registering with and depressing said button to closedposition in the fixed operative position of said panel.
 6. A machine asset forth in claim 1 wherein there is a control box on said framecontaining a main power switch and other electrical controls and saidcontrol panel has an elongated flexible electrical conduit extendingtherefrom containing wires extending from the switches on said panel,said conduit extending through the hinge mounting of said panel to saidcontrol box for connection of the wires with said main power switch andother controls in concealed insulated relationship to paid panel andframe throughout its length.
 7. A machine as set forth in claim 1wherein said control panel is of elongated form and extendssubstantially horizontally across the front of the machine frame and ishinged at one end on a substantially vertical axis and has the fasteningmeans at its other end for securing the same in fixed operative positionwith the disconnect switch in closed position.
 8. A machine as set forthin claim 1 wherein said control panel is of elongated form and extendssubstantially horizontally across the front of the machine frame and ishinged at one end on a substantially vertical axis and has the fasteningmeans at its other end for securing the same in fixed operative positionwith the disconnect switch in closed position, the disconnect switchincluding a spring-pressed button exposed on the rear of said panelintermediate its ends moving rearwardly to open position when the panelis swung forwardly away from the frame, said switch being closedautomatically by depression of said button when said panel is returnedto its normal fixed position relative to said frame.
 9. A machine as setforth in claim 1 wherein said control panel is of elongated form andextends substantially horizontally across the front of the machine frameand is hinged at one end on a substantially vertical axis and has thefastening means at its other end for securing the same in fixedoperative position with the disconnect switch in closed position, thedisconnect switch including a spring-pressed button exposed on the rearof said panel intermediate its ends moving rearwardly to open positionwhen the panel is swung forwardly away from the frame, said switch beingclosed automatically by depression of said button when said panel isreturned to its normal fixed position relative to said frame, asubstantially horizontal projection on said frame registering with anddepressing said button in the normal fixed position of said controlpanel.
 10. A machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control panelis of elongated form and extends substantially horizontally across thefront of the machine frame and is hinged at one end on a substantiallyvertical axis and has the fastening means at its other end for securingthe same in fixed operative position with the disconnect switch inclosed position, the disconnect switch including a spring-pressed buttonexposed on the rear of said panel intermediate its ends movingrearwardly to open position when the panel is swung forwardly away fromthe frame, said switch being closed automatically by depression of saidbutton when said panel is returned to its normal fixed position relativeto said frame, said panel serving as a light reflector when swungforwardly away from said frame, the machine including electric lightmeans on the back of said panel, and switch means controlling said lightmeans independently of the disconnect switch and other switches.